Tag: building materials

As aesthetically pleasing and easy to install as drywall is, some people don’t want their entire home done in it. Here are some of the options which beautifully complement drywall installations:

Brick

A brick wall will add a whole lot of character to a room in your home or your office. Brick also adds value to your property as it is both highly-coveted and unique.

Plaster

There are still some people who prefer the textured look of plaster and would prefer it in some of the rooms of their house. Thanks to improved technologies, plaster installation has become a little easier and drying times are quicker as well. If you want to give a room of your house a traditional country look, you might want to consider plaster walls.

Wood Paneling

Wood panels are easy to install and come with a great number of finishes. Great for retro styles and feature settings.

Tile

Tile comes in many shapes, styles and designs and is becoming increasingly popular in areas where mold is a concern. For example, tile can be a good choice for kitchens, bathrooms and even in sterile environments like laboratories, hospitals and in doctor’s offices.

Drywall was invented by the U.S. Gypsum Company in 1916 and first manufactured in little tiles. But soon, in less than a decade, it was sold and used in the form familiar to us now; a single layer of compressed gypsum inserted between two sheets of heavy paper. It would, however, take 25 years before builders would begin to use drywall in more substantial quantities.

There are several reasons it would take so long for builders to use drywall. Builders always considered drywall a mere cheap fix and people didn’t want to live in homes that were constructed so quickly. This is the reason so many continued using expensive plaster. But when the United States got involved in World War II, things could change.

During the war, out labor force turned their focus on manufacturing weapons and other items used for combat. With a depleted labor force and materials shortages, drywall became a way to offset costs and reduce time in building construction. Yes, this was when Americans discovered that drywall was inexpensive and allowed buildings to be constructed much quicker than it took using plaster. And by 1945, drywall has become the top building material.

How it is Made

Drywall is made primarily of gypsum, which is a mineral found in massive beds that closely resembles white sand. Despite its name, drywall is made using a large amount of water. The water is in crystalline form, which is why drywall remains dry. However, in the event of a fire, the water crystals destabilize and vaporize, which is why it is fire-resistant.

Raw gypsum is mixed with several additives and blended into a thick paste. The paste is then spread onto a sheet of paper with another sheet placed on top. It is then passed through ovens to heat it up and dry it out.

Types of Drywall

Regular drywall is quite appropriate for most applications, but there are several types of drywall that would be better-suited for certain circumstances.

Impact Resistant

Impact resistant drywall is often used in places like schools and dormitories, which are considered high abuse areas.

Sound Board

Places like apartments and condominiums often use this type of drywall as the transmission of noise from unit to unit is a concern.

Moisture Resistant

This type of drywall is often used in bathrooms, basements and other areas that are prone to moisture.

DYI

Drywall is popular among homeowners because it is easy to learn and you don’t need expensive building supplies. It is quite easy to learn the three basic steps of drywall: cutting, hanging and finishing. If you have questions about installing drywall, give us a call and we can help.

The building materials you choose are very important because they will dictate how durable and long-lasting the structure will be. For example, many people choose drywall instead of other materials when building or remodeling because of the benefits it offers. If you don’t have drywall in your home or office building, here are a few reasons you might want to buy drywall supplies.

Easy to Repair

Drywall is as durable as plaster, but if you suffer cracks, chips or holes, it is a whole lot easier, cheaper and faster to make repairs in drywall. This one one of the bigger reasons why so many homeowners and business owners choose drywall over plaster. In addition, drywall is fire-resistant, which helps prevent fires from spreading throughout the entire structure.

Drywall is Versatile

Drywall is versatile in the sense that it can be customized according to the needs or preferences of a homeowner or business owner. For example, drywall can be made to be resistant to mold and moisture. So this is something you would choose if moisture or mold was a concern. Drywall can also be made to be soundproof, so if you don’t want to be bothered by street noise or your kid’s band practice, then this is a great option to choose.

Faster Build

Compared with plaster and other materials, drywall is much easier to build, which is another reason why it is so popular with business owners and homeowners. In fact, building with drywall is as much as eight times faster. This results in shorter downtime for a business and it saves a great deal of money in labor costs as well.

Smooth Surface

Drywall is pretty. That’s right, drywall offers a crack-free, smooth and seamless surface that looks attractive in any home or office. It is aesthetically pleasing and helps create a beautiful environment.

It’s Recyclable

It is always recommended to use materials that can be recycled. When you choose drywall as a building material, you are helping the environment and doing your part in contributing to the green movement.